visit copenhagen brochure

• The official guide to Copenhagen
• Beyond Copenhagen
• Copenhagen Card
• See & do
• Eat & drink

Get to know Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark

Your guide to the perfect copenhagen experience.

The buzzing capital of Denmark mixes modern architecture and culture with sustainable living , royal history , and a mouthwatering restaurant scene . Get to know the city, do your planning, and find all your questions answered right here.

To get a daily dose of inspiration, please follow @VisitCopenhagen on Instagram.

Tell us what you're looking for

Are you already in Copenhagen? Are you planning your trip or looking to get inspired to what to do today? We got you covered.

I'm curious about Copenhagen

I'm planning my trip

I'm looking for experiences

I want to check out events

Start exploring.

Any season is a good season to explore Copenhagen, whether on foot, on bike or sailing your own electric boat through the canals. 

Spring is in the air

Editor's Choice - Get your local recommendations

Listen to our new podcast

It's in everything we do.

Copenhagen strives to be a city that is not only a cool place to visit but also a great place to live. This is why we take sustainability, livability, and safety very seriously.

Safety in Copenhagen

Sustainability guide

World Capital of Architecture

Insights from your local copenhageners.

Get local tips for great experiences with Copenhagen Unfolded. Culture, food, design, history, and events - straight to your inbox once a month.

Get Social :

Useful links.

• Web Accessibility
• Editorial policy

Other sites

• Wonderful Copenhagen
• Cruise Copenhagen
• Copenhagen Convention Bureau
• Travel Trade
• Intl. press room

• The official guide to Copenhagen
• Beyond Copenhagen
• Copenhagen Card
• Aktiviteter
• Spis & drik
• Bydelsguides
• Planlæg din tur

Velkommen til København

Din guide til store oplevelser i hovedstaden.

Som Danmarks hovedstad emmer København af historie, spændende arkitektur, urbane friluftsoplevelser og kulturoplevelser i særklasse.

I dag er København desuden anerkendt for gastronomi i verdensklasse, det gode liv der leves omkring havnen og byens forskelligartede kvarterer.

Følg @VisitCopenhagen på Instagram og få din daglige inspiration til store oplevelser. 

Fortæl os, hvad du leder efter

Er du ved at planlægge din tur? Er du allerede i byen og leder efter de bedste spisesteder, oplevelser og aktiviteter? Bare rolig. Vi har svar på alle dine spørgsmål.

Jeg vil finde de største oplevelser

Jeg leder efter de bedste spisesteder

Jeg er ved at planlægge mit besøg

Jeg vil se hvad der sker i byen

Udforsk københavn.

Alle årstider er gode til at udforske København, hvad enten man er til fods, på cykel, Metro eller sejler gennem kanalerne.

Der er forår i luften

Editor's Choice - Det skal vi opleve

Gå på opdagelse i hele København

Det skal du opleve i hovedstaden.

Lad sanserne blive pirret, udforsk kulturlivet og oplev suget i maven; København byder på et væld af store oplevelser. Om du er på besøg eller lokal, så er København en by der udvikler sig og du aldrig rigtig bliver færdig med.

Københavns største attraktioner

Kunst og kultur oplevelser

Skønne oplevelser for børn

Anbefalinger fra dine lokale københavnere.

Få lokale tips til gode oplevelser med Copenhagen Unfolded. Kultur, mad, design, historie og events - direkte til din indbakke en gang om måneden.

Get Social :

Nyttige links.

• Web tilgængelighed
• Editorial policy

Andre sider

• Wonderful Copenhagen
• Cruise Copenhagen
• Copenhagen Convention Bureau
• Travel Trade

A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Copenhagen

Copenhagen Travel Guide

Danes are consistently rated as among the happiest people on earth so it was a no brainer to visit Denmark and see what all the fuss was about! At first glance, it’s hard to believe a country with harsh cold winters and short sunny summers could be utopia, but after spending a short week in Copenhagen I fell pretty in love myself!

From the coolest Danish interior designers to mouthwatering Danish food and jaw dropping Danish castle museums, everything and anything is avant garde here. If you’re planning your own trip, here are my top tips for things to see, do and try in Copenhagen!

Click the links to jump directly to each section

• Before You Go: Denmark Travel Checklist
• The Copenhagen Tourist Map : best sights you can't miss in Denmark!
• Where to Stay in Copenhagen : which neighborhood is the best?
• What to Eat in Denmark : must-have local Danish cuisine
• Is Copenhagen Expensive?  and how you can maximize your budget in Denmark
• Copenhagen Day Trips  for those with limited time
• Getting Around Copenhagen  how to get to Copenhagen, get around and general tips

Keep reading for some useful travel advice and of course, lots of images of Copenhagen!

Before You Go

We picked up a copy of Rick Steves to get our travel planning kick started. He’s not the authority on everywhere, but his books are packed full of great knowledge, times tables and insider tips so they always make a great guide.

We also did lots of food research and watched tons of Chef’s Table, where Rene Redzepi pops up in a couple episodes. He’s also in David Chang’s Ugly Delicious series, where an episode talks to him about his newest Noma pop up in Tulum.

Danish design is also swoonworthy. There are some interior design stores in NYC that carry Danish masters like Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl, but not many.

Books, Shows & Films to Get in the Mood for Your Trip to Denmark:

• Guidebooks :  Rick Steves Copenhagen
• Books : 101 Danish Design Icons , The Little Book of Hygge , How to Be Danish

The Copenhagen Tourist Map

There's so much to see and do in Denmark's capital. If you like history and architecture, don't skip Rosenborg Castle where Danish royalty once lived and where the Danish crown jewels glitter on display. If you like to people watch, Mad & Kaffe and The Living Room are some of the top coffee shops in Copenhagen with delicious small bites. Museum lovers shouldn't miss SMK or Glyptoket .

Tivoli Gardens , an outdoor amusement park, is fun for both adults and families while the Little Mermaid is an iconic statue docked just off north Copenhagen's cruise harbor. And if you love exploring local cuisine, make some room for Geranium , Copenhagen's only 3 star Michelin restaurant or  Aamanns , the king of smørrebrød and a classic Danish lunch spot.

Check out my complete guide to the best things to do in Copenhagen HERE .

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

If you love boutique hotels as much as I do, you're in for a treat. Copenhagen has so many unique, beautiful hotels with stylish Scandinavian furniture, filling breakfasts and cheerful happy hour. Lots of hotels offer a fantastic breakfast, a free drink at happy hour and plenty of lounge space to mingle (perfect if you're visiting solo or want to meet other travelers).

• For a budget hotel, check out Generator Copenhagen - these are a fancy hostel where you can choose shared or single rooms and the design is really something else. I'm not a hostel person but these are so much fancier than your traditional hostel, I'm not sure what category to put them in! Generator has locations all over Europe and they usually are located right in the center of town - in Copenhagen it's between Downtown and Christiansborg.  Check rates & availability here .
• For a true Danish hotel experience, stay at Ibsens . Near Torvehallerne and Rosenborg palace, this hotel is a great value hotel with complimentary happy hour, minimalist rooms and a heavenly breakfast of locally sourced Danish produce. Check rates & availability here or read our in-depth review here .
• For sumptuous, beautifully furnished rooms and first class service, stay at Hotel D'Angleterre . The oldest luxury hotel in Copenhagen, this one is located right in Kongens Nyrtov square close to shopping and sights. It's also THE spot in town for luxury, with its on site restaurant holding 1 michelin star.  Check rates & availability here

For a complete guide to Copenhagen's neighborhoods and tons of expert recommended hotels, check out my in-depth post on Copenhagen hotels HERE .

What to Eat in Copenhagen

Whether you want comforting Danish classics, new age Nordic cuisine or international cuisine, Copenhagen has a great restaurant scene. Make sure to try local pastries and pick up a bag of local coffee beans - Danes take their bread and coffee seriously!

Copenhagen is one of the most fun cities to explore for gourmands so eat away! I recommend sampling smorrebrod (open faced sandwich), grod (porridge) and aebleflaesk (apple pork) at least once before you leave. While their translated English names don't sound all that fantastic, trust me, they're delicious!

Is Copenhagen Expensive?

In one word,  yes.  The only thing holding me back from packing up my bags and relocating to Denmark is how incredibly expensive the cost of living is.

Here are some tips for visiting Copenhagen on a budget:

Meals hit the hardest - basic foods like hot dogs or ramen can cost $20-25 per person and still leave you hungry. Cheap, delicious eats in Copenhagen tend to be from other cuisines so try Vietnamese, Thai or Indian food while you're in town!

Surprisingly, I actually thought the set menus at fine dining restaurants offered better value for your buck so don't rule those out for your trip. I compiled a list of incredible Danish restaurants here .

Decide which sights and attractions you want to visit and determine if the Copenhagen Card is worth it for your trip. It includes public transportation and lots of the top sights in Copenhagen so it can be quite budget friendly! I break down how we used it in this post HERE and whether it was worth the purchase

Consider traveling in the off season. Airfare dips and in November and December, Copenhagen celebrates Christmas in the coziest way! Check flight deals here .

Try out Airbnb   if you're looking for accommodation on a budget. Danish apartments have some beautiful architecture so you often find a local's place that's beautifully designed and more affordable.

Or, choose a cheaper hotel slightly outside the city center to save on accommodation. Check out my review of Ibsens Hotel , our first hotel spot which was convenient and affordable. 

Copenhagen Day Trips

Some of the best things we did was explore outside of downtown Copenhagen. I highly recommend visiting the Louisiana Museum of Art, even if you don't like art - it's a unique space built to house modern art within nature. The area is really scenic, right near the ocean, and even the lake and trees feel sculptural.

Another great day trip is to Hamlet's Castle, called Kronborg Castle in Denmark. We loved seeing the castle's interiors and discovering Holger the Dane in the castle's crypt.

You can also day trip to Malmo, Sweden if you have extra time in Copenhagen (just make sure to exchange some Krona first). Other up and coming Danish cities include Aarhus and Odense.

Getting Around Copenhagen

Danes love riding their bicycles and it feels like pedestrians are the second citizens in Copenhagen! Join in on the fun by renting a bike (hotels usually offer this) or you can find bike shops for day rentals - it will be around $25 USD per day.

We used Copenhagen's subway, buses and trains quite a bit and found them very easy to navigate. For buses, I usually rely on Google Maps on my phone so that I know where to get off. Also don't forget that if you have a Copenhagen Card all public transportation in and around Copenhagen is free!

To get to and from the airport, we took the metro and then airport link. That too, is free with the Copenhagen Card, and pretty stress free with lots of luggage if you travel outside of rush hour.

Enjoy your trip to Copenhagen! If you have any questions about planning a visit to Denmark, let me know in the comments.

Planning a Trip to Denmark – Travel Checklist

Flights | Many European airlines will offer flights to Denmark with a stopover. Flights from New York weren't cheap, but booking in advance helps. Check for  flight deals here .

Travel Tips | We spent a week in Copenhagen and as it was our first time visiting Denmark, we wanted to see the sights. Purchasing the 5-day Copenhagen Card saved us quite a bit on admission prices but do check their list of included attractions here to make sure that it's worth it for your visit.

Accommodation | Lastly, we decided to switch hotels to explore Copenhagen's different neighborhoods . The city is quite large so it was nice to base ourselves in different districts! Hotels get quite expensive (well, Copenhagen as a whole is wallet shattering) so check hotel availability and book in advance. Check here for great deals on accommodation .

Or, give  Airbnb  a go. There are some beautiful Danish apartments available for rent!

Insurance | Our bags were left behind for 3 days due to an airport-wide tech issue in Amsterdam. We knew when we pulled up to the airport that something was wrong because the lines were complete chaos and everyone stood still at the baggage drop off. Once they told us to put our bags through baggage drop, we did it and I immediately had a bad feeling about it – wish we had went carry on only! 

Luckily, we had travel insurance  which reimbursed us for out of pocket expenses. Whether your luggage is lost, your phone gets stolen, or you get injured and need to be hospitalized, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Get a  quote for your trip here .

Copenhagen Vacation Planning Articles

A First Timer's Guide to Visiting Copenhagen

When Is the Best Time to Visit Copenhagen?

A Neighborhood Guide to Where to Stay in Copenhagen

25 Incredible Things to Do in Copenhagen Before You Die

Denmark for First Timers: A 3 Day Copenhagen Itinerary

Copenhagen Sights, Activities & Tours We Especially Enjoyed:

Will a Copenhagen Card Save You Money? We Weigh the Pros & Cons

5 Fairy Tale Copenhagen Castles That Will Make Your Jaw Drop

21 Copenhagen Museums that Show the Unique Beauty of Denmark

Denmark Restaurant & Hotel Reviews

Danish Food Guide: 30 of the Best Restaurants in Copenhagen

A Michelin Star Dinner in Copenhagen: Marchal at D'Angleterre

Ibsens Hotel Review : Is This the Best Hotel in Copenhagen?

Follow Sher She Goes on

Bloglovin | Facebook |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  | Instagram

You may also enjoy:

What to pack for a summer in …, raja ampat, indonesia: a travel guide to …, 10 stunning attractions you can’t miss in …, 3 mouthwatering tapas bars in seville, spain, 18 comments.

Absolutely beautiful photos Sher! I wanna go to Copenhagen so bad this summer!!

Aw thanks Dave! Go!! It was one of my favorite cities to date :)

• Pingback: 25 Incredible Things to Do in Copenhagen Before You Die
• Pingback: 5 Cool Day Trips from Copenhagen: Castles, Swedes & Vikings
• Pingback: This Is the Best Time to Visit Copenhagen
• Pingback: Danish Food Guide: 30 of the Best Restaurants in Copenhagen

I have no idea why I haven’t visit Copenhagen yet. Those pictures look unreal. WOW.

Thanks Darryl! Get on itttt :)

• Pingback: Follow This Itinerary for a Blissful 3 Days in Copenhagen
• Pingback: Ibsens Hotel Review: Is This the Best Hotel in Copenhagen?
• Pingback: Where to Stay in Copenhagen: The Ultimate Guide
• Pingback: 21 Copenhagen Museums that Show the Unique Beauty of Denmark
• Pingback: 5 Fairy Tale Copenhagen Castles That Will Make Your Jaw Drop
• Pingback: Will a Copenhagen Card Save You Money? We Weigh the Pros & Cons
• Pingback: The Most Beautiful Places in Denmark for Nature + Reflection

Your photos are beautiful and this article is so informative. What places might you recommend in Copenhagen for first time visitors with small children like myself. My little ones are 1 and 4 years old. I should also add, we’re not long distance walkers.

Hey Nkele – thanks! I’ll caveat this by saying I don’t have kids but I think they would LOVE Tivoli. It’s got amusement park rides, is beautiful and tons of food! Enough for both adults and kids to enjoy :)

So many beautiful photos! I can’t believe how stunningly beautiful Copenhagen is…and its castles, just wow! I need to force my husband that we go there asap!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Copenhagen Airport Guide

Getting Around Copenhagen

What to Pack

Top Things to Do

Best Museums

48-Hour Itinerary

Day Trips From Copenhagen

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Best Breweries

Nightlife Guide

Your Trip to Copenhagen: The Complete Guide

Ashley Niedringhaus is an ASME-nominated journalist and author who specializes in crafting bespoke city guides, including a comprehensive guide to Copenhagen for TripSavvy.

Regularly ranked among the happiest places globally, Copenhagen is a delight for visitors and residents alike. The compact city of 1.3 million  , which plans to be carbon-neutral by 2025 , is easy to navigate on bike or foot, historic castles sit in lush urban parks, clean power plants double as urban playgrounds world-class modern art fills the galleries of museums around the city. Like the whirl of the roller coasters at Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen's vibrant food and wine scenes are fast-moving, and each month brings a new opening from a famed chef or another intimate wine bar with an impressive list of biodynamic bottles. Spend time working up an appetite for the city's phenomenal food scene by flitting between dips in the pristinely clean harbor, biking around royal grounds, or shopping for the perennially cool Danish design.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : While almost every month of the year has its own appeal, the best time to visit Copenhagen is May through September. One of Copenhagen's most appealing parts is that even during the peak months of July and August, the city never feels swarmed with people but full of life and vibrant.

Language : Danish. There are helpful words to know, but Danes, especially those in Copenhagen, speak near-perfect English.

Currency: Danish kroner. Approximately six Danish kroner equals $1. Copenhagen is almost entirely cashless.

Getting Around: Biking is, by far, the most common way to get around the flat streets of Copenhagen. Download a bike-share app or rent a bike from your hotel. The driverless, eco-friendly Metro, busses, and water busses cover most of the city. Cabs are available but are crazy-expensive.

Travel Tip: If you have data, pre-load your phone with a few key apps, like Donkey Republic for quick bike rentals and Mobilbilletter for buying tickets for public transportation. 

Things to Do 

Copenhagen's museums cover everything from ancient Vikings to Andy Warhol and are a draw for many visitors, as is Walt Disney's muse, Tivoli Gardens. Shopping trips, canal tours, and lunches around town fill the days while top tables, excellent cocktails, and live music occupy the nights. 

• It's worth getting under the skin of the city a bit with a great guided tour. Hyper-local experiences, like a food tour, are worthy of your time, not to mention a delicious way to discover the city's vibrant culinary scene.
• Even if you're visiting in winter , finding a way to see Copenhagen by water is a quintessential Copenhagen experience. Go for a winter swim, relax in the long summer sun, rent a kayak, or join a guided boat tour with a laid-back local.
• Discover why locals love Copenhagen so much and rent a bike, choosing to stop at lush parks, by the canal for people watching, or zip out to the industrial Refshalevej neighborhood for street food and a Mikkeller beer.

To help make the most of your trip to Copenhagen, we have a full guide covering the top museums , dishes to try , and the best bars in town .

What to Eat and Drink

A decade ago, Copenhagen's food scene was nothing compared to today's, and menus were loaded with herring and traditional dishes. While the pickled fish is still present today, it's presented in cool and innovative ways. But there's also great Mexican, pizza, delicious pastries, ramen, and some of Scandinavia's best burgers. Yes, everything seems to have roots in Noma, Northern Europe's most famous restaurant. Still, a host of 30-something chefs are shaking up the scene and appealing to a new crop of visitors looking to see what Copenhagen is cooking up next.

When it comes to liquor, cheap, local lagers, like Carlsberg, are the favorite of students in the park and sunbathers enjoying the city's generous open container laws. But it doesn't take long to realize that Copenhagen isn't a budget or backpacker town, and everything else is pretty pricy. But try and ignore the $20 cocktail price tag for at least one night to check out some of the craft cocktail bars, like Ruby and Balderdash. Like their foodie counterparts, the cocktail makers take their craft very seriously and source the ingredients, like small-batch liquors and seasonal juices, to make a great cocktail.

You can't leave town without trying one of the city's natural wine bars. Sure, the wine's vocabulary is like a secret language, and the bold colors and cloudy liquid can be confusing. Still, passionate wine merchants, like Rødder & Vin and Rosforth & Rosforth, make discovering a great bio bottle a real treat.

Discover some of the best restaurants and bars in town , as well as great local dishes you can't miss.

Where to Stay 

The beauty of Copenhagen's small footprint is that you can't go too wrong when picking a place to stay. The city center and the area around Nyhavn's colorful houses are filled with hotels, but the price is reflective of the prime locations or the hotel's design-savvy interior. A lot of visitors are shocked to see that $300 (or more!) only gets them a small room with two twin beds pushed together. Another hotel bummer: There are few international chains, making finding a room on reward points a chore.

But don't worry too much: There's a substantial AirBnB market in town, and it's a good way to get more space for your buck, and many are outfitted with top Danish furniture brands. Look at neighborhoods just outside of the city center, like Frederiksberg or Nørrebro. They're packed with local charm, great pastry spots, and local fashion shops.

The flat city makes it easy to bike around, and the 24-hour Metro makes it easy to go further afield without feeling like you're committing to a daily commute.

Before deciding, pick up some safety tips , and see our picks for top hotels.

Getting There 

It's easier than ever to get a direct flight from the U.S. to Copenhagen, especially on Star Alliance member Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). All flights, including European budget airlines and international carriers, arrive at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) . Even with luggage and jet lag, it's easy to get from the airport to the city on the Metro, which connects to the airport and leaves every few minutes. There are plenty of cabs, but they're expensive.

Culture and Customs 

The Danes are polite and value arriving on time (seriously, don't be late for dinner reservations!), but they are not overly warm to people outside of their tight-knit groups of friends. Everyone in Denmark is considered equal, making working in Denmark a challenge for Americans, and men and women share household and children-related duties.

Unless you're at a five-star restaurant, expect to flag down a member of the waitstaff at least once, and they almost certainly won't stop by to make sure you're enjoying your meal. If you'd like another glass of wine or to order something else, don't be shy. Tipping is not expected.

Danish people value practical dressing over high fashion and couture, and sensible footwear and biking-friendly clothing is the top choice of most.

Money-Saving Tips 

• 7-Elevens across town are great for healthy, inexpensive meals and snacks. Pick up a quinoa wrap, kale salad, hot dog, or cold-pressed juice while you're out.
• The Danes have a healthy appetite. Many restaurants have menus filled with small plates, and a waiter might suggest six to eight a person. This can often result in a lot of food and a hefty bill. Start with three or four dishes, and remember you can always order more.
• Many of the museums in the city have free entrance once a week. Otherwise, consider buying the Copenhagen Card for a day or more. The card includes unlimited public transportation and provides access to museums, the city's zoo, Tivoli Gardens, castles, and the Carlsberg Brewery.
• Copenhagen is incredibly walkable, so bring comfortable shoes and save money by not taking taxi cabs.
• For even more money-saving tips, check out the best free things to do in Copenhagen .

World Population Review. "Copenhagen Population 2020."

Scandinavia and the Nordic Region: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to Barcelona: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Lima: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Shanghai: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Richmond: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Israel: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Madrid: The Complete Guide

A Guide to Airports in Scandinavia

Your Trip to San Francisco: The Complete Guide

Trips to Seattle: A Complete Guide

Vienna Guide: Planning Your Trip

Dublin Guide: Planning Your Trip

Germany Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to Birmingham, England: The Complete Guide

Belize Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip

Lübeck: Planning Your Trip

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Destinations A-Z

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Copenhagen

Everything you need to know to plan a trip to Copenhagen.

Best Hotels

Best things to do, best shopping, best restaurants, how to get there, best times to visit, neighborhoods to know, how to get around.

Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Named one of the best places to travel in 2023 by Travel + Leisure , Copenhagen continues to draw in tourists with its exceptional food, history, and architecture. The city was officially named the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture in 2023. On top of its newly recognized architectural prowess, the city continues to wow tourists with its tried-and-true offerings — whether that's dining at Noma, the Michelin three-starred restaurant that announced its closure in winter 2024, or strolling the always-popular Tivoli Gardens.

Here, your essential Copenhagen guide for hotels, things to do, restaurants, and so much more.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Tivoli Gardens is the second-oldest operating theme park in the world.
• Jægersborggade Street is lined with some of the best shops in Copenhagen, including a famous ceramics boutique.
• The Alchemist keeps guests entertained with performance art and multi-sensory decor while they dine on nearly 50 courses.
• CopenHill is Copenhagen's first ski area and features the world's tallest climbing wall.
• Spend the night at TheKrane — its only room is inside an old coal crane and hangs 49 feet above the ground.

Coco Hotel is the hottest new spot in Denmark's capital city. Not only was it voted as the best hotel in Copenhagen by T+L readers in 2022, it also was named one of the best new hotels in the world in 2022 by T+L editors. The 88-room boutique hotel features bold colors, a European-style cafe, and complimentary bikes for guests. It also makes an effort to be green-conscious, planting a fruit tree somewhere around the world every time a guest checks in and running its facility on a private solar-powered grid.

Hotel d'Angleterre

Hotel d'Angleterre is an iconic, 265-year-old hotel — and it was voted one of the best in Copenhagen by T+L readers in 2022. The charming hotel features modern Nordic design and expansive views of Kongens Nytorv from the suite balconies. With a heated indoor pool — the only one in the city center — and Michelin-starred dining, you might never want to leave. The concierge also offers plenty of V.I.P. experiences for their guests, including cooking classes and history tours.

Sanders Hotel

A tranquil retreat in the center of town, the Sanders Hotel is one of the best stays in Copenhagen, with "midcentury modern touches [that] imbue its 54 rooms with a sense of casual cool," Peter Terzian, T+L features editor, previously reported in the 2022 World's Best Awards. It offers an extensive array of amenities, including loaner bikes for guests (don't forget to ask for a prepared picnic basket) and a glass-encased rooftop terrace that serves up delicious breakfast and gorgeous city views. Be sure to book one of the hotel's exclusive excursions, which includes a backstage pass to the Royal Theater — a short two-minute walk away — or a private guided trip down the nearby canals in a vintage mahogany boat.

There is exactly one guest room at TheKrane , which is why T+L called it one of the coolest hotels in Copenhagen . The room is inside an old coal crane that dates back to 1944 and hangs 49 feet above the ground on Nordhavn's industrial waterfront. A night's stay comes with a hefty price tag, but it includes more than just a place to rest your head — guests will love the complimentary on-site spa, prearranged airport pickup, and daily breakfast.

The Happiness Museum

Denmark, named the second happiest country in the world in 2023, is home to the world's very first happiness museum . Opened in 2020, the museum features several different exhibits on how other countries perceive happiness.

CopenHill is Copenhagen's first ski area — carefully constructed atop a waste management center for the city. In the summer months, visitors can also hike, run, or tackle the world's tallest climbing wall at this urban recreation destination.

Frederiksborg Castle

Located on three islands, surrounded by lush gardens and a large lake, Frederiksborg Castle is a perfect day trip from Copenhagen. The castle is also home to the Museum of National History, which traces 500 years of Danish history through art, furniture, sculptures, and more.

Tivoli Gardens

Don't let the word "gardens" fool you, this expansive park is home to one of the best theme parks in Europe , open from mid-April to mid-September. In the winter, there's still plenty to see and do, with a whimsical Christmas market, over-the-top decorations, and stunning lights. There are plenty of shops and restaurants on the grounds as well.

Read More: 20 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen, From a Palace Visit to Waterfront Strolls

Illums Bolighus

A design aficionado's dream, Illums Bolighus is your one-stop shop for Danish design. With top interiors brands, this is a great under-the-radar spot to snag some memorable souvenirs.

Jægersborggade Street

This buzzy street is home to some of the best shops in Copenhagen. You can find vintage clothing, organic produce, and 40 art galleries. Make sure to check out the ceramics boutiques, including Keramiker Inge Vincents, known for its hand-shaped porcelain.

Prefer to do some tax-free shopping before returning to the airport? Visit megastore Magasin , a department store with a fashionable, vintage feel and plenty of variety. The store started in 1869, and it's still a popular choice among locals because it stays open later than most department stores.

Noma is one of the most famous restaurants in the world, and after a 20-year run, head chef René Redzepi recently announced it will close at the end of 2024. So, eat there while you still can. The Michelin three-starred restaurant's menu changes with the seasons, focusing on vegetarian fare in the summer, game and forest-inspired food in the fall, and seafood in the late winter/early spring.

At the Alchemist , one of the hardest reservations in Copenhagen, "guests enter through an ominous, hand-sculpted door made from two tons of bronze," reported Christina Liao recently in T+L. Food reporter Liao called it one of the best dining experiences in the world and said diners can expect nearly 50 courses surrounded by performance art and immersive, multi-sensory decor.

Alouette is a hidden gem on the Danish dining scene — behind an unobtrusive garage door and past a graffiti-covered hallway lies a surprisingly bright Michelin-starred restaurant that serves a set five-course menu. The menu changes weekly with a focus on small producers and seasonal ingredients.

Copenhagen is best reached by flying into its international airport, which T+L readers voted as one of the  best international airports  in the world in 2022. Copenhagen Airport serves over 100 destinations and is the biggest airport in Denmark.

You can also travel to and from other major European cities, including London, Paris, and Stockholm, aboard  Rail Europe  trains or buses. A train ride from London to Copenhagen will take almost 15 hours, while a bus ride could take up to 35 hours, with multiple stops and long transfers.

The best time to visit Copenhagen is April, May, and September if you're after warmer weather and longer days. You'll encounter fewer crowds than in the peak summer months, but can still enjoy similar temperatures. However, some of the best festivals happen from June to August — like the  Copenhagen Jazz Festival , which takes place every July.

Copenhagen in December is the prime hygge (cozy) and Christmas market season. Travelers can head to the Tivoli Gardens for a gorgeous holiday light display. If you can't make it in December, you can still enjoy a light show in February when the city hosts its now-annual Copenhagen Light Festival .

Read More: The Best Times to Visit Copenhagen for Great Weather, Lower Prices, and Fewer Crowds

City Center: Copenhagen's City Center is where you'll find hotels like Hotel d'Angleterre and Nyhavn, the waterfront district "tailor-made for Instagram, with colorful townhouses and boats bobbing in the canals," Lindsay Cohn, a T+L contributor, previously reported . This area is home to CPH's top attractions, including Kongens Nytorv, the largest public square in the city.

Frederiksberg: Frederiksberg is another tourist hot spot within Copenhagen and is home to terrific shopping and attractions like the Frederiksberg Palace and the Copenhagen Zoo.

Nørrebro: Northeast of the city center, Nørrebro is "the most ethnically mixed neighborhood in Copenhagen," architect Camilla van Deurs told T+L recently . You'll find some of Copenhagen's best pan-Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants here.

Vesterbro/Kødbyen: Vesterbro was once considered Copenhagen's red light district. It's known for its nightlife, but there are also charming, residential, family-friendly areas in the neighborhood, as well. Within Vesterbro, you'll find Kødbyen, otherwise known as Copenhagen's meatpacking district.

Christianshavn: Technically a cluster of small islands, Christianshavn is teeming with waterways and charming, colorful row homes. Here, you can rent boats or kayaks to explore the canals or take a dip in one of Copenhagen's harbor baths.

Train, bus, and metro: Copenhagen's public transportation network unites trains, buses, and metros in one easy-to-understand system. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks at the airport and throughout the city, on the DOT Mobilbilletter app , or online , with prices varying by zone. You can also purchase a City Pass , which will give you unlimited access to specific zones depending on which one you purchase. Download the Rejseplanen app to see public transportation schedules with minute-by-minute updates.

Taxis: Taxis are plentiful in Copenhagen. If you need a cab, there are several companies, like Dantaxi , you can contact directly for pickup.

Car service: If you don't want a taxi, you can book town car or black car services with companies like Sixt to help you get around, or use the zero-emission ride-sharing service Viggo . Copenhagen is not serviced by Uber or Lyft.

Bikes: Copenhagen is a city best explored by bike. In fact, according to the Copenhagen Tourism website , 49 percent of locals commute to work on bikes. Plan your ride around the city's many biking routes and bridges, or try to tackle the bike route used in the 2022 Tour de France Grand Départ, which took place in Copenhagen.

Copenhagen Travel Guide Tips: Best Things to Do and See

Maritime flair , hip cafés and Scandinavian cosiness – welcome to Copenhagen! Copenhagen really is a great city for a getaway. The city has a simple charm and is not repeatedly named as being one of the most liveable cities in the world for nothing.

We have been guests in the Danish capital city several times now – and each time we fall a little more in love with Copenhagen. It’s about time we put together our personal Copenhagen tips for you on our travel blog. So it follows: Our big Copenhagen travel guide with all the highlights, our favourite spots and personal travel tips.

1. City trip to Copenhagen: Overview of initial travel tips & info

2. copenhagen travel guide: best things to do and see, 3. day trip tips for copenhagen, 4. eating and drinking: tips for restaurants & cafés in copenhagen, 5. our hotel tip for copenhagen.

Copenhagen seems to be the perfect combination of everything we love in a city: Lots of water, plenty of greenery, imposing buildings and a cosy atmosphere. There is even a name for it in Denmark: Hygge . Copenhagen is beautifully hygge.

What else do you need to know about Copenhagen? We have gathered the most important points for you:

• Copenhagen is located by the sea . This gives the Scandinavian city a maritime flair, that is also reflected in the cuisine, for example.
• Unfortunately, Copenhagen is quite expensive . This starts with the accommodation prices and carries on to the restaurants. So it’s best to allow a little more budget for your city trip.
• People love cycling in Copenhagen. The city is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in Europe. If you like, you can hire a bike when you’re there to explore the city.
• The weather in Copenhagen can be quite variable. Generally, we recommend summer as the best travel time (June to August). Although the temperatures are pleasantly mild during that time, it is hardly ever gets properly hot.

How many days should I spend in Copenhagen?

We recommend all those who are new to Copenhagen to plan to stay at least three nights . The city is not gigantic, so you can easily explore the main attractions and corners in Copenhagen during this time.

Of course, more time is always good. So, if you would prefer to have a relaxing stay then feel free to stay longer. Copenhagen will also definitely not get boring if you stay 4 or 5 nights – that way it also allows time for some day trips. (Of course, we reveal our tips further down in this travel guide.)

Nyhavn: THE postcard motif in Copenhagen

What is the best way to start a trip to the city of Copenhagen? Our suggestion: With a stroll through Nyhavn (in English: “New Port”). With its colourful, crooked houses , Nyhavn is quite rightfully Copenhagen’s most popular photo motif.

Nyhavn is anything but a secret. Or (to put it in other words): The area is the most touristy spot in Copenhagen. They try to entice you into boat tours, or a restaurant visit on every corner. But if you move slightly out of the hustle and bustle, then you can enjoy Nyhavn in a more relaxed manner. Our tip for anyone who wants to experience Nyhavn in peace: Come in the morning!

The Little Mermaid: Copenhagen’s landmark

Surprisingly small & a little unspectacular – this is the initial impression of many people who stand before the little mermaid for the first time. The little mermaid really lives up to her name. At around 125cm high, she is one of the smallest landmarks in the world.

The bronze statue at Copenhagen’s port exudes a calm presence despite all the crowds, which fascinated us in a strange way. She sits just a few metres from the shore on a rock. The little mermaid was built based on the fairytale of the same name by the most famous Danish author, Hans Christian Anderson .

Tip #1 : You can quite easily walk from Nyhavn to the little mermaid. The stroll along the shore is really nice and highly recommended. (You also pass by the Amalienborg palace – more about this soon.)

Tip #2 : Very close by the little mermaid are St. Alban’s Church and Copenhagen Castle. Definitely take a walk through – this fortress with its pretty windmill is an oasis of calm. Entrance is free.

Castles in Copenhagen

As hip and modern as Copenhagen can be – the royal flair is difficult to miss. There are some castles and palaces in Copenhagen that are well worth a visit. The following three castle are the most well-known in Copenhagen:

• Amalienborg Palace: This is where Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II lives. You can tell if she’s home by the Danish flag waving on the roof. Then at midday they also have the changing of the guard – one spectacle that you shouldn’t miss if you’re there.
• Rosenborg Castle: This castle is one of the most beautiful sights in Copenhagen. You can find it on the edge of a lovely, landscaped garden. There are several state rooms to admire inside the castle. The Rosenborg Castle is also well worth viewing just from the outside.
• Christiansborg Palace: All good things come in threes. You can find Christiansborg Palace right in the middle of the city centre. Today it is the seat of the Danish Parliament. Just like the other two, you can also view the castle interior.

Our tip : Entry into all three castles is free when you have the Copenhagen Card. So if you are interested in these attractions, purchasing the Copenhagen Card could be worth it.

Frederik’s Church

When standing in front of Amalienborg Palace, Frederik’s Church is hard to miss. Frederik’s Church, with its imposing dome, is one of the most important sacred buildings in Copenhagen. It is also known by the name, the Marbel Church .

You should definitely take a peek inside the church. The architecture is very impressive. Entrance into the church is free. There is only a small admission fee to climb the dome.

Torvehallerne

We present: One of our absolute favourite places in all of Copenhagen and our tip number one for all the foodies. Here in this covered, architecturally beautiful market hall you can purchase fresh food and Danish delicacies. It is very relaxed and stylish here – so don’t expect to find a hectic market.

The best part: There are also a lot of stalls in Torvehallerne where you can either directly enjoy dishes or take them to go. Our tip: Laura’s Bakery has incredible cinnamon rolls. GRØD is popular for breakfast and the Coffee Collective has great coffee.

Christiania

Strange but true: In Copenhagen there is a self-proclaimed free state called Christiania. In the 70s hippies settled on this former military land. Today it is supposedly the largest commune in the world.

But what can you expect in Christiania? To be honest: A very unusual flair with a slightly depressing mood . Yes, Christiania is colourful and quirky where you will find great street art and creative houses. But somehow, we haven’t been able to shake this rather strange feeling on all our visits (there have been several).

The centre of Christiania is Pusher Street. This is where drug dealing takes place on the street. Taking photos along Pusher Street is strictly forbidden. (You should absolutely adhere to this!) But otherwise, you don’t need to worry about safety and you can visit Christiania without any problems.

The Round Tower (Rundetårn)

You shouldn’t leave Copenhagen without seeing the city from above. One of the most famous viewing points in Copenhagen is the Rundetårn (Round Tower in English), which is located right in the city centre.

The architecture is what makes the tower so special: Not a small staircase but a wide, spiral ramp (also said to have been used by horse-drawn carriages once upon a time) takes you up to the top. (Important to know: At the end there is still a small ladder to climb. So, the tower is not without its barriers.)

After the unusual ascent (which is especially a highlight for architecture fans), a really beautiful view over Copenhagen awaits you in all directions. The wrought iron railing makes it easy to take photos through.

Entrance: 40 DKK (free with the Copenhagen Card ) Opening times & more info: Rundetårn (official website)

Assistens Cemetery

A rather unusual attraction in Copenhagen is located north of the city, more precisely in the Nørrebro district. Assistens Cemetery (called “Assistens Kirkegård” in Danish) is the most well-known cemetery in Copenhagen. There are countless famous people buried here, including for example the author Hans Christian Andersen or the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.

Here you can find not only a cemetery, but also quite an extensive park . The locals use the cemetery park for long walks or jogging. So, if you would like to spend some time out in the greenery, then we can highly recommend a visit to Assistens Cemetery.  

Day trip to Sweden: One day in Malmö

Sit down in the train – and bam, a good 30 minutes later you’re in a different country . The thought that Sweden is only a hop and a skip away from Copenhagen couldn’t escape us, so we decided on taking a wee trip to Malmö.

Getting there from Copenhagen

Just the trip from Copenhagen to Malmö is something special in itself: Here you cross the legendary Øresund Bridge , which connects Denmark and Sweden with each other.

We ourselves took the train , but it is also possible to take a bus. The train ride from Copenhagen Train Station takes around 40 minutes and costs about 13 euros (one-way). The train station in Malmö is centrally located, so you can simply start exploring the city on foot.

Attractions in Malmö

It is best to start your day trip in Malmö’s pretty old town, called Gamla Staden . The old town is a picturesque mix of colourful houses, brick buildings and paved alleyways. Places worth seeing include Lilla Tor or the Stortorget.

In the west of the old town lies the second main attraction in Malmö: the castle (Malmöhus) with its two surrounding parks ( Slottsträdgården and Kungsparken ). An oasis of peace, perfect for taking a leisurely stroll.

It is not very far from the castle to the most well-known market in Malmö, Malmö Saluhall . Here you can buy fresh food in this very stylish and calm market hall as well as sit down in one of the small restaurants and cafés they have there.

In case you still have time you could, for example, make a stopover at the futuristic city library , or take a detour to Västra Hamnen . Here a modern and innovative district was developed at a former shipping yard site. Västra Hamnen is said to be climate neutral and one of the most exclusive residential areas in Malmö. You can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade or taste your way around the great cafés.

Day trip to the beach

Lonely dunes & the sound of waves – how does that sound? If you are drawn to nature, then we can highly recommend this trip to the beach. There are many beaches close to Copenhagen which you can visit. Important to know: It is very rarely properly hot in Denmark – so if you want to jump in, it may take some convincing.

Beach tips close to Copenhagen

• Amager Strandpark: The largest and most well-known beach around Copenhagen is located in this protected local recreation area. You can reach the beach from the city centre on the subway. In summer it can be quite crowded.
• Ishøy Beach: This beach is more peaceful and natural. Perfect for a bit of that Baltic Sea feeling.

The good news first: Copenhagen is a paradise for foodies ! Here they have an incredible amount of hip eateries, and you can – if you like – spend the whole day feasting your way from one café to the next.

The bad news: The prices are not very cheap. For an ordinary restaurant, you will need to allow for around 15 to 20 euro for a main meal. That’s not ideal and you could easily spend around 60 to 80 euros for a dinner for two people.

The following two specialties are typical Danish food and found all over Copenhagen:

• Smørrebrød: Which sounds fancy, is really ‘just’ rye bread. But there are no limits to creativity when it comes to the choice of ingredients.
• Hot Dog: Of course, how could it be any other way? Danish hot dogs are sold at small stalls around the streets of Copenhagen. Luckily, there are now more and more vegetarian hot dogs, e.g. as found at DØP.

Favourite culinary spots in Copenhagen

Reffen: This great street food market takes place at a former shipping yard area. Here in the colourful containers, you can try delicious food from all over the world. From tacos to Smørrebrød, from Hawaii to Nepal, whether meat or vegan – there is really something for everyone. Highly recommended!

Paludan Bog & Café: Eating breakfast between the books! In café Paludan you are seated in the middle of a bookstore. We can recommend a visit just for the unusual location alone. They have breakfast, lunch dishes and a whole range of cakes and slices. The prices are moderate by Danish standards. 

Mother: This very (!) hyped up restaurant serves what is said to be the best pizza in Copenhagen. Whether that is true, we cannot say, but we definitely enjoyed it. Important: The wait times are especially long during the weekend. It is best to reserve a table!

GRØD: Grød translated means porridge and this café specializes in exactly that. Here you can put together your favourite porridge yourself with a wide variety of toppings. There are now many locations in Copenhagen – including the Torvehallerne. A really great tip for a healthy and not to expensive breakfast or lunch meal.  

Vaekst: Young Scandinavian cooking of the highest quality in a really cool location – if that is what you are searching for, then get yourself to Vaekst. They serve a three-course meal here every evening. The restaurant is highly praised for its vegetarian version of the menu. Here you are seated in a kind of greenhouse – pretty cool.

Flottenheimer: Do you want to enjoy a simple lunch in the city centre? Then we recommend this cosy café. They have international dishes on the menu, such as burgers and sandwiches.

Are you looking for a great boutique hotel for your city trip to Copenhagen? Then we can only warmly recommend Hotel Skt Petri .

The rooms are elegant and very comfortably arranged with a very comfortable bed. Small tip: Make sure that you don’t choose a room with a window on the inside. This can be clearly seen in the description.

The hotel location could hardly be any better for a city trip to Copenhagen. You are situated right in the centre and many sights are within walking distance (such as Nyhavn, the Rundetårn or the Torvehallerne).

Our conclusion: The range of affordable, yet stylish boutique hotels in Copenhagen is unfortunately limited. However, Hotel Skt Petri is really an exception and highly recommendable.

You can book the hotel here: Hotel Skt Petri

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through the links, we receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

We are curious: Have you already been to Copenhagen? How did you like the city? Do you have some additional tips for Copenhagen? We really look forward to hearing about your experiences in the comments.

You might also be interested in this

Best of Bari: Our Travel Guide, Tips & Favourite Spots

Valle d’Itria Travel Guide: Alberobello & Other Beautiful Places

Ostuni Travel Guide: Travel Tips for the White City of Puglia

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Privacy Policy

Dom�net er parkeret hos Bricksite Ejer du dom�net? klik her

Lav din egen hjemmeside

• Nem hjemmeside
• Gratis .dk dom�ne
• Designs 150+

Start Gratis

Let’s explore Copenhagen

Copenhagen travel guide

When I first visited Copenhagen, I was blown away by the beauty of the city, the friendliness of the locals, and the exceptional dining scene. 

I love that the impeccable style and cosiness you’d expect from a Scandinavian city is woven into every aspect of Copenhagen – from its beaches and harbour baths to the cafés and restaurants. 

About the author

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Copenhagen is an effortlessly stylish city where modern scandi feel meets cosy nostalgia. It’s a city driven by design and cool aesthetics – from its buildings to its people. With gardens, canals, beaches and even a ski slope, the Danish capital is a breath of fresh air and a pleasure to explore.

As you’d expect from the capital of such a forward-thinking country, Copenhagen is a place of dynamic culture, innovation and sustainability. These qualities underpin every aspect of the city, from its shopping and cuisine to its attractions and architecture.

From iconic Nyhavn where colourful houses line the shimmering canal to pockets of eccentricity and bohemian soul in places like Christiana, Copenhagen is a wonderfully multifaceted city. The transport is efficient, the streets are safe, and the locals are friendly, making the Danish capital an easy city to explore for every type of traveller.

Want to save up to 25% on hotels?

Subscribe to the Pocket Wanderings newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.

How to get to Copenhagen

I’m pleased to say that Copenhagen is an easy city to reach, especially if you’re travelling from within Europe.

By plane:  Copenhagen Airport is located just minutes from the city centre and offers direct flights from major airports around the world.

If travelling from the UK, a number of major airlines offer direct flights from London to Copenhagen, and the flight time is just under three hours.

There are a variety of transport options available from the airport, including trains, buses, and taxis.

By train:  Copenhagen can be reached by train from other European cities, with regular service from destinations such as Berlin, Brussels and Amsterdam.

By boat:  If you’re travelling from within Scandinavia, Copenhagen is served by a number of ferry routes from Sweden and Denmark.

By car:  The Danish capital is accessible by car, with excellent highways connecting the city to the rest of Europe.

Top tip:  If you want to take the stress out of getting from the airport to the city centre, I’d recommend  booking your Copenhagen airport transfer here  for an English-speaking, professional driver.

HOTEL GUIDE

20 best luxury hotels in Copenhagen

From boutique inner city boltholes to grand palatial hotels, discover my pick of the best luxury hotels in Copenhagen for a trip to the Danish capital.

15 Michelin restaurants in Copenhagen

The Danish capital is the ultimate foodie destination for discerning diners. Here are is my handpicked selection of the top Michelin star restaurants in Copenhagen.

How to get around Copenhagen

Despite being a relatively large city, I always find Copenhagen to be very straightforward to navigate, especially when you have CityMapper or Google Maps to hand. Its public transport system is wonderfully efficient and many of the more central areas are explorable on foot.

Top tip:  I’d recommend purchasing a  City Pass  for the length of time you’re going to be in Copenhagen. It’s a really cost effective way of getting unlimited travel while you’re exploring the city.

Plus, you get access to over 80 attractions in the city and won’t have to worry about buying lots of tickets.  Purchase a City Pass  in advance for ease when you arrive.

By foot:  As with many European cities, one of the best ways to experience it is on foot. Copenhagen is a very pedestrian-friendly city and walking allows you to explore the nooks and crannies of the city centre.

Plus, you can work up an appetite for all that Danish cuisine in the process! However, it’s worth noting that Copenhagen is a large city, so you will need to get public transport to explore the different areas.

By train:  The Copenhagen train and metro system is extremely efficient and very easy to navigate. It’s clean, fast and generally not overcrowded at all. I’d recommend getting the CityMapper app to help you get from A to B.

By bus:  Copenhagen’s bus system is extensive and efficient, making it easy to get from one place to another. The buses are clean and comfortable, and they offer a great way to see the city.

Copenhagen is also a very safe city, and the buses are no exception. They are well-lit and well-marked, and they offer a safe and convenient way to get around. Again, use the CityMapper app or Google Maps to help you plan your route.

By bike:  Copenhagen is a very bike-friendly city, with a network of well-maintained bike lanes and plenty of places to hire a bike. Cycling is a popular mode of transport, both for locals and visitors.

Copenhagen is relatively flat, so it’s perfect for cycling, with plenty of scenic routes to explore. Bike hire is readily available, and many hotels offer guests the use of bicycles during their stay.

By e-scooter:  Electric scooters are available for hire all over the city, and you can use an app to find one near you. To hire a scooter, simply scan the QR code on the handlebars with your phone. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to unlock the scooter.

With an e-scooter, you can zip around the city without getting stuck in traffic. Copenhagen is a great city for scootering, with plenty of bike lanes and paths to explore.

By taxi:  Given the efficiency of Copenhagen’s public transport system, as well as the ease of getting around by bike, it’s not likely that you’ll need a taxi.

If you do, you can hail a taxi on the street and your best bet is to head to train stations to do so. Uber is not available in Denmark, but there are other apps like Viggo.

By car: While it’s possible to get around Copenhagen by car, driving can be a bit challenging. The narrow streets can be difficult to navigate, the roads are often congested, and parking can be hard to find. If you’re planning on renting a car, it’s worth checking out the Copenhagen Car Rental company.

They offer a wide selection of vehicles, and their rates are very reasonable. However, I really wouldn’t recommend getting around Copenhagen by car, as the public transport system is incredibly efficient.

Best time to visit Copenhagen

Copenhagen offers an inviting charm all year round, from the pretty views of springtime and warmer days of the summer to the sparkle and magic of the winter months. If you have an aversion to cold weather then I’d say you’ll probably be better off visiting in the summer months.

Copenhagen is a charming city to visit in any season, but it is especially lovely in the springtime. The days are getting longer and the flowers are starting to bloom, making it the perfect time to explore everything Copenhagen has to offer.

See all the parks and gardens in full bloom or take a leisurely stroll along the canals. Note that Copenhagen is still pretty chilly in the spring months, so be sure to wrap up warm. Although rain is less likely than it is in the winter months, it’s best to be prepared!

Copenhagen is a beautiful city to visit in the summer months. The streets are lined with trees and the city takes on a vibrant and colourful feel. Copenhagen is also within easy reach of a number of beaches, making it the perfect place to relax in the sun.

Not to mention all the harbour baths across the city, where you can sunbathe, socialise and swim. For those balmy summer evenings, there are numerous alfresco bars and restaurants, as well as outdoor concerts and movies.

Copenhagen in autumn is a magical sight. The leaves of the trees turn red, orange, and yellow, creating a truly picturesque scene. The city’s parks are especially lovely during this time of year, as they are adorned with colour.

Copenhagen comes alive with festivals and celebrations in the autumn months. There are plenty of things to see and do in Copenhagen in autumn, from exploring the museums and galleries to indulging in hearty stews and freshly-baked pastries.

Copenhagen in winter is a wonderland of snow-capped rooftops and sparkling canals. The city lights up with Christmas markets and unique Copenhagen traditions, such as riding on the Tivoli Gardens roller coaster in the snow.

There is something truly magical about visiting in winter. Festivities start to ramp up and the air is filled with the scent of gingerbread and chocolate. Locals and visitors go ice skating on the picturesque canals or sip hot cocoa in front of a roaring fire.

Browse and book the best activities and attractions in Copenhagen:

Frequently asked questions, how long to spend in copenhagen.

If your main priority is checking out the sights of the city, then I’d say three days is a good amount of time to spend in Copenhagen. A long weekend is the perfect way to experience a lot of what the city has to offer.

But Copenhagen is more than just a pretty city – it’s also a great place to relax and people watch. So if you want to really experience Copenhagen life, consider spending a bit longer in the city. That way, you can explore all the different neighbourhoods and get a feel for what it’s like to live there.

Is Copenhagen good for solo travellers?

I think Copenhagen is the perfect destination for solo travellers. It is an incredibly safe city, plus the locals are exceptionally friendly and helpful. I was shocked to see that the majority of people leave their bikes unlocked, which is testament to the low crime rate in the city.

The transport system is clean, safe and easy to navigate, plus there are plenty of things to see and do for solo travellers. Copenhagen is undoubtedly one of the best cities in Europe – if not the world – to explore on your own.

Is Copenhagen expensive?

There is no denying that Copenhagen is not an affordable city. As one of the most expensive cities in Europe, it does put a strain on the purse strings.

That’s not to say that Copenhagen can’t be explored on a budget, especially if you plan ahead. But to really experience all that this beautiful city has to offer, it’s worth accepting that you may have to spend a fair amount of money. Is it worth it? In my opinion, absolutely yes!

How many Michelin-star restaurants in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is home to an impressive 15 Michelin star restaurants. Two establishments hold the coveted three Michelin stars: Geranium and noma, the latter of which also holds a Michelin Green Star.

While 12 Copenhagen restaurants hold the Bib Gourmand accolade. Read my guide to the best Michelin star restaurants in Copenhagen .

Are there Christmas markets in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is a truly magical place at Christmas time, as it lights up with festivities and vibrant Christmas markets.

There are three key Christmas markets to be aware of: Christmas in Tivoli Gardens, Christmas at Bakken, and Christmas market in the Zoo. Discover more of the best Christmas markets in Europe .

Can you go skiing in Copenhagen?

It may surprise you to learn that yes, you can go skiing in Copenhagen! Not on real snow though. Copenhill is an artificial ski slope and recreational hill built on top of an industrial power plant.

I think it’s a super fun way to spend an afternoon in the city and one of the best things to do in Copenhagen .

DESTINATION GUIDE

16 best swimming spots in Copenhagen

From designated harbour baths and gorgeous sandy stretches, here is my pick of the best beaches and swimming spots in Copenhagen.

20 best brunch places in Copenhagen

From local Danish bakeries to the coolest spots in town, here is my handpicked selection of the best places for brunch and breakfast in Copenhagen.

Copenhagen highlights

Copenhagen museums.

Copenhagen is home to a number of world-renowned museums, each of which offers a unique window into the city’s culture and history. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, for example, houses an impressive collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art. While the Nationalmuseet chronicles the development of Denmark from the Stone Age to the present day.

For those interested in Copenhagen’s rich artistic heritage, I’d say the Statens Museum for Kunst is a must-see, with its wide-ranging collection of Danish and international art. Just outside the city centre lies the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, set amidst stunning gardens and offering breathtaking views of the Øresund strait.

Whatever your interests, Copenhagen’s museums are sure to provide a fascinating glimpse into the soul of this historic city.

Danish cuisine

One of my favourite things about Copenhagen is that it’s a foodie paradise, with a wide variety of cuisines on offer from all over the world. The city is especially renowned for its classic Danish cuisine, which can be found in many of the city’s cafes and restaurants.

The most famous dish is probably Smørrebrød, a type of open sandwich that is traditionally served on dark rye bread and topped with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables. Another popular dish is Kartofler, a potato dish often served with gravy. For those looking for something a bit sweeter, I’m pleased to say that there are delectable pastries and desserts available around every corner.

As you’d expect, Copenhagen also has its fair share of Michelin-starred restaurants . One of the most notable of these is Noma, which is often hailed as one of the best restaurants in the world (although it is closing soon, in 2024!). There’s also the wonderfully unique and totally immersive The Alchemist.

For something more relaxed, a visit to Reffen street food market is an absolute must. It’s a haven of mouth-watering fare from all over the world. I’d recommend sitting back and relaxing in a deck chair as you tuck into some delicious food while watching the sunset over the harbour.

Swimming spots

There aren’t many cities where you can don your swimsuit and dive into the city canals. I wouldn’t even think about dipping a toe in the River Thames in London, my home city! In Copenhagen, the water quality at all the designated harbour baths is closely monitored by the city authorities.

There are plenty of harbour baths dotted around the city, as well as natural sandy bays and salt water pools. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can hang out on one of the wooden piers or decked areas. It’s a central part of the social scene in Copenhagen, so going for a swim is a great way to blend in with the locals.

Just be sure to stick to the designated swimming areas and don’t swim if a red flag is flying. A dip in the water is the perfect way to cool off in the summer months, or feel invigorated in the winter months – if you’re brave enough!

Discover my pick of the  best beaches and swimming spots in Copenhagen .

Pocket Wanderings is a luxury travel and lifestyle brand run by London-based content creator, Jessie Moore. Here you’ll find a community of fellow wanderlusters and adventurers.

Quick Links

About Contact Privacy Policy

Want up to 25% off hotels?

Subscribe to my newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.

Copenhagen Itinerary: 2 Days in Copenhagen, Denmark

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Wondering how to spend 2 days in Copenhagen? Then check out my 2 day Copenhagen itinerary packed full of the best things to see & do in the city!

Have you only got 2 days in Copenhagen ? That’s the perfect amount of time to visit this stunning city!

There’s so much to see and do in Copenhagen in just 48 hours you’ll end up wishing you had more time here. Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities in the world and it is absolutely perfect for a weekend away. Every time I keep oncoming back here I discover something new and exciting, a part of the city I’d never seen before.

From cool cafes to cute castles to contemporary cuisine, this is a city that has something for every type of traveller. It is a city where you can go from learning about the history of the city in the morning at Rosenborg Castle, to screaming like a big kid in the afternoon at Tivoli Gardens, to catching up with friends at the hipster Meatpacking District in the evening.

There aren’t many cities where you can do all of that in a day!

Don’t believe me? Check out my video to see what you can get up to in just 2 days in Copenhagen.

Working on KLM’s campaign ‘101 Reasons to Travel’, a campaign all about finding those unique reasons to travel (it’s all in the name really), I knew immediately I wanted to visit Copenhagen.

There are so many reasons why Copenhagen is one of KLM’s most popular destinations to fly to, and I couldn’t wait to explore the city for myself and make a video about it all.

With that in mind, here’s what to do in Copenhagen in 2 day. I really hope you find this post useful when planning your Copenhagen itinerary. As ever, if you have any questions at all let me know in the comments below.

Oh, and enjoy Copenhagen! I’m sure you’ll absolutely love it there!

If you’re looking for something to do outside the city then check out these 12 incredible day trips from Copenhagen .

Are you planning an amazing weekend in Copenhagen? If so, you may want to book your hotels and tours asap to ensure availability. Here are some links to quickly help plan your trip!

Best hotels and apartments in Copenhagen:

• Copenhagen Admiral Hotel (best rated 5* hotel)
• Grand Joanne (best rated 4* hotel)
• ibis Styles Copenhagen Orestad (one of the cheaper hotels in Copenhagen)

Best activities and tours in Copenhagen :

• Canal Cruise from Nyhavn (top rated tour!)
• Small-Group Hygge and Happiness Culture Tour
• Copenhagen: Culinary Experience Tour (super yummy!)

My Top Tip: Buy the Copenhagen City Card

Before we get into it, we need to talk about the Copenhagen City Card.

You can get 1-day, 2-day, 3-day or 4-day card that will give you free entry into 87 museums & attractions, discounts into those that aren’t free, and unlimited use on public transport (including to and from the airport). It also includes discounts on a lot of the major Copenhagen tours too.

The last 3 times I’ve visited Copenhagen I’ve always used a Copenhagen City Card because it’s so much cheaper than buying individual tickets to places. Over the course of 2 days you’ll save anywhere between £25-50 so I definitely think it’s good value for money. Also, the free transport around the city is incredibly handy too!

Prices start around £47 for a 1-day card (cheaper for under 16s). It’s cheaper the more days you buy too.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing and visiting some of the top tourist attractions, it usually works out cheaper with a card. Obviously Copenhagen is an extremely expensive city, so every saving helps here!

What to do in Copenhagen

Wander around beautiful nyhavn.

This is the picture postcard image of Copenhagen. With its colourful cafes and restaurants lining the side of a canal, Nyhavn is the perfect place to visit no matter at what time of the day. I’ve been here early in the morning when the city is waking up, for lunch at one of the many restaurants, and chilling on the edge of the canals with a beer at sunset.

My favourite time is at sunset though. That’s when everyone is kicking back and relaxing, and the atmosphere is really chilled here. Also, Nyhavn is one of the most photogenic spots in Copenhagen, so make sure you take lots of snaps.

Marvel at Rosenborg Castle

I really love Rosenborg Castle! It blows me away that there’s this grand opulent castle right in the middle of the city. And it really is just moments from the city centre.

Originally built as a summerhouse is 1606, today Rosenborg Castle is home to the crown jewels and the royal gardens. Honestly, it’s worth visiting this place just to see the throne room alone. Among the main attractions is the Knights’ Hall with the coronation thrones and three life-size silver lions standing guard. Tapestries on the walls commemorate battles between Denmark and Sweden.

You can check out Rosenborg Castle on this awesome 3-hour bike tour that’ll take you around the city. Just perfect for those short on time and who want to pack a lot in! I’d really recommend adding this to your Copenhagen 2 day itinerary – it really is one of the best sites in the city.

Pay a visit to the Little Mermaid

Straight out of Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale, the Little Mermaid statue has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen. Even though this is a little way out of the city (it takes around 15/20 minutes to walk here), I think it’s well worth the journey along the harbour. It’s a really beautiful walk taking you some beautiful buildings like the Copenhagen Opera House  and the Black Diamond.

My tip would be to come early in the morning or late in the day. That way you should be able to beat the busloads of tourists who come here during the day. If you time it right you’ll have the place to yourself.

Act like a big kid Tivoli Gardens, the world’s 2nd oldest themepark

If you’re looking for the best of Copenhagen in 2 days, Tivoli Gardens should be near the top of your list of things to do.

Despite being the world’s second oldest theme park (some accolade that), Tivoli Gardens in an amazing place to lose yourself for an afternoon. The old-world charm of the 1800s still shine through wherever you look at Tivoli Gardens with modern rides and old-fashioned wooden rollercoasters to boot.

Unlike most themeparks around the world, Tivoli is right in the heart of Copenhagen. That means it’s a brilliant place to spend a few hours on the rides or wandering around the park. There are plenty of stalls and restaurants here too – there’s even one with a Michelin star!

Tickets to Tivoli Gardens cost £16 (US$20) and includes skipping the queue which is a massive benefit on busy weekends. 

Climb to the top of The Round Tower

If you’re looking for some of the best views in Copenhagen then you can’t go wrong with the Round Tower. Climbing to the top of the Round Tower will leave you dizzy, as will the 360° views of the city all around. The 17th century tower and observatory Rundetaarn, or the round tower, is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. 

Try and come late in the afternoon otherwise you might be dodging school kids everywhere. Also, running down to the bottom of the tower is a must!

Find something yummy at Torvehallerne (the food hall)

Torvehallerne isn’t a supermarket, it’s a super market. With over 60 stands and shops selling everything from fresh fish to smelly cheeses to fine wines, it is a foodie paradise. There are a number of small restaurants at Torvehallerne where you can get a quick bite too.

As I only had 48 hours in Copenhagen, I had to try smørrebrød, their famous open sandwiches. It was absolutely delicious and very Scandinavian too. I’d definitely grabbing a couple of open sandwiches for yourself, but there are loads of different types of foods from around the world here.

Check out the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg Palace

Home of the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Ministry of State, you might think Christiansborg Palace is on the boring side. Oh how wrong you’d be. With stunningly opulent rooms and tapestries, you’ll struggle to find a more beautiful building in Copenhagen.

Also, my tip, but from 11am you can climb to the Tower each day for another amazing view of the city. Not everyone knows you can climb to the top of the tower so I’d really recommend checking that out too!

See the royal residence of Amalienborg Palace

If Royal Families are your thing, then you’ll want to visit Amalienborg Palace. This is home to the Danish royal family and it is also a museum to one of the world’s oldest monarchies. Even if you aren’t into Royal Families, Amalienborg Palace is still well worth visiting for the four identical facades and the huge square just outside it.

Also, if you’re walking to the Little Mermaid then chances are you’ll pass by Amalienborg Palace, so well worth stopping by on the way there.

Walk to the Windmill at Kastellet

If you’re looking at what to do in Copenhagen in 2 days, pop by this secret spot.

Because the windmill at Kastellet isn’t a major attraction, people often overlook it as a place to visit. That means often you can get the place to yourself.

This was such a surprise find while I was walking around the grounds of Kastellet, the old citadel in Copenhagen. This used to be a military base, but today it is a peaceful and tranquil park where you can go for a really nice walk in one of the greenest spaces in the city.

Also, it has a windmill. I absolutely love windmills me. I have to admit that this is one of my favourite things to do in Copenhagen.

Take in the eerie Kunsthallen Nikolaj

This is a really alternative spot to add into your Copenhagen itinerary. The Kunsthallen Nikolaj is included in your Copenhagen City Card so free to enter if you have one of these. That means you can pop in for 20 minutes and take in the exhibitions here.

An ancient church on the outside, a contemporary art centre on the inside. Kunsthallen Nikolaj is a contemporary art centre with quirky and creative exhibitions that change every month. The thing about this place is you could walk past it 100 times (as I think I’ve done!) without ever knowing what’s on the inside, so next time you’re in Copenhagen make sure you take a peek.

Party at the Meatpacking District

This is another must on any Copenhagen 2 day itinerary. If you like to eat then you’ll love the Meatpacking District . This has become one of the best places to eat at in Copenhagen with an array of restaurants from dim sum to Indian to Mexican (and anything else in-between) to choose from. Also, the Mikkeller beer hall is where it’s at if you love craft beer – this is arguably my favourite bar in town and that’s saying something.

The Meatpacking District is also a fantastic place if you’re looking for a party. Often there are a number of events here with everyone spilled out onto the streets drinking and having a good time. Very Danish and very cool.

Dine at the delicious Musling Bistro

The Musling Bistro is hot news right now as it’s just been award a Michelin ‘Bib Gourmand’ award for the first time ever.

Serving up the freshest seafood in Copenhagen, Musling Bistro uses amazing ingredients and elevates them to new levels. Safe to say this was my favourite meal I had while I was in Copenhagen and the best seafood dinner I’ve had in a very long time! I can’t recommend this place highly enough!

Visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

If you’ve only got 2 days in Copenhagen then I’d really recommend visiting Louisiana, the Museum of Modern Art. You can read more about this museum in my blog post here .

Louisiana is a little way outside the city (the train takes about 45 minutes), but it’s up there with my favourite art museums in the world. It’s full of amazing exhibitions (inside and out) but because the grounds are massive, it never feels crowded. Also, there are a number of modern art sculptures outside too with stunning views of the water at Øresund Sound. The way I describe Louisiana is this – if Louis Carrol did art museums, it’d probably look a lot like this.

Hire a GoBoat for the afternoon

If you’ve never been to Copenhagen before then this is the activity for you. With GoBoat , you can hire a little solar-powered electric boat to whizz you around the waterways. This is perfect to see an alternative perspective of the city and it’s surprisingly cheap too.

1 hour costs around £60, but when you can split that between a number of you it really doesn’t work out that much. Also, there’s convenient picnic table in the middle of the boat for all your food and drink. That means you can go on your own little boating adventure and take a picnic with you!

Hang out at Dronning Louises Bro 

Dronning Louises Bro is infamous in Copenhagen. My Danish friends told me that walking the bridge and around these lakes was the perfect place to “break up with a loved one”. I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty sure I saw this when I was there myself!

However, if you’re not interested in breaking up with your loved one and are looking for a place to hangout, then Dronning Louises Bro is great for that too. During the summer when the days are long and you can sit outside, all the locals come down to this iconic bridge to sink back a few beers and just chill. Nothing more, nothing less – just chill.

If you’re looking for a real local experience in Copenhagen then this is it.

Head to Islands Brygge Harbour Bath for a dip

If you’re looking at what to do in Copenhagen, then add a stop to Islands Brygge Harbour Bath . Even though you might not want to go for a swim (because, you know, it’s bloody cold), it is in a really beautiful spot in the city and it’s cool watching everyone else throw themselves into the water.

During the summer, there are loads of people hanging out on the lawns here and taking a dip. The unique location makes for a nostalgic jaunt against a city background. Leave it to the Danes to even make these 5 swimming pools stylish.

Copenhagen packing list

As you can imagine, I travel a lot. It comes with the territory of being a travel blogger! That being said, there are some things that I now can’t travel without. If you’re planning your Copenhagen itinerary, I’d really recommend taking these items with you:

• Sunglasses: Mens | Womens – These are an absolute must as soon as you step off the plane, holiday mode very firmly on!
• Cool felt hat – I always love travelling with a hat these days, especially during summer when the sun’s out.
• Rain jacket: Mens | Womens – Sorry guys, but it’s always a good idea to travel with a pac-a-mac or rain jacket that packs down small. Fingers crossed you won’t need to use it.
• Bum bag – Very easy and simple for wandering around a city and it means you can leave a big bag at the hotel room.
• Sleep mask – 100% take this with me on every trip.
• Ear plugs – Even if you’re staying in a 5* hotel, you might need ear plugs.

• Water bottle – I am a water bottle convert and I barely leave the house without one now. This is a great water bottle with a built in straw – it’s surprisingly handy!
• Waterproof phone carrier – Another game changer. I always use this when I’m on the beach to protect my phone from sand or when I’m kayaking to protect it from water.
• Portable charger – Does anyone travel without these now? This one is my favourite – just make sure you charge it before you get on the plane!
• Jabra earbuds – After trying so many different types of earbuds, these are now my go-to ones. Great for wandering around a city.
• Multi-adapter plug – This is the one item you’re most likely to forget.

My trip to Copenhagen was in association with KLM’s ‘101 Reasons to Travel’ campaign promoting their top destinations in Europe. As always, views are entirely my own and without bias.

So there you have it, the best of Copenhagen in 2 days! What’s the one thing you’re most looking forward to doing in Copenhagen? Let me know in the comments below.

Like this blog post? Then make sure you Pin it for the future!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

View all posts

4 thoughts on “Copenhagen Itinerary: 2 Days in Copenhagen, Denmark”

Nice blog about the beautiful city. In 2 days you covered most of the tourist spots of the city and the way you explained the iconic places is very interesting. It will very helpful for who planning to visit Copenhagen in a quick time period.

Thanks for commenting Jon, I really appreciate it! Hopefully people will find this post useful as a first-timers guide to the city!

The video goes perfect with the article! Very nice job 🙂 I’d like to visit Copenhagen but maybe spend some more time there, and I’m thinking about years 😀

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you liked the article and the video – hopefully you’ll make it over to Copenhagen one day! I’ve no doubt you’ll love it there!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Guide to Shenzhen nightlife — Top 5 things & what to…

Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does…

India travel tips — 25+ what & things to know before…

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must…

Coron itinerary 5 days — What to do & how to…

India trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Copenhagen travel blog — the fullest copenhagen travel guide for a great budget trip for the first-timers.

Copenhagen is the most famous city of the land of the Andersen’s fairy tales – Denmark. This city brings the cold beauty of northern Europe, but there are also many features of the European continent below, because this city is closest to Europe compared to the Nordic countries. The colorful houses by the harbour of Nyhavn are reminiscent of a fairy-tale Amsterdam, or endless walking streets, and much more to discover in Copenhagen. So, what to do in Copenhagen? Let’s check out our Copenhagen travel blog (Copenhagen blog) with the fullest Copenhagen travel guide (Copenhagen city guide) for a wonderful trip to the capital of Denmark for the first time from how to get there, best time to go, where to stay, where to go… to find out the answer!

• 1 day in Copenhagen — Copenhagen 1 day itinerary & how to spend 24 hours in Copenhagen pefectly?
• Greenland travel blog — The fullest Greenland travel guide for first-timers
• Scandinavia itinerary — How to make a best itinerary for Scandinavia for 8 days?
• What to buy in Denmark? — 16+ best Denmark gifts, Denmark souvenirs & best things to buy in Denmark
• Aarhus travel blog — European capital of culture 2017

Copenhagen travel blog: Overview of Copenhagen

The currency of Denmark is DKK (Danish Krone), exchange rate of 1 Euro ~ 7.5 DKK. When you traveling to Denmark you need to exchange money to spend in Copenhagen because the Euro is not used here. But you should not exchange at the airport or central station because the exchange rate is quite low and there is an additional charge. If you need to buy tickets to the center right away, you can use credit card.

You can go to some money exchangers in the city center like King’s New Square in Kongens Nytorv, or the banks in the city. Exchange rates will be better at the train stations. In general, the living cost in Copenhagen is quite expensive, the trip costs for food and traveling in 3 days is about 100-150 Euro is fine, you can be used in combination with cash and credit card.

Copenhagen travel guide: How to get to Copenhagen?

If you want to flying from Vietnam directly to Copenhagen, you can choose from major airlines such as Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, .. These carriers have to transit at least 1 point. Currently, Vietnam Airlines has not had direct flight (long-haul flight) to Copenhagen but still has to connect and link with another airline.

If you come to Copenhagen from other European cities there are many ways, from air to train, boat and bus.

Flying to Copenhagen

Normally, when flying to Copenhagen you will landing at Copenhagen Airport (Københavns Lufthavn). There are many routes between Copenhagen and other Scandinavian or European countries, the popular airline and the good price is SAS .

Copenhagen Airport is quite close to the city center and only takes 15 minutes by Metro. It is rare for an airport in a major European city to be so close to the center and convenient to travel.

How to get from the airport to city center: You take the Metro M2 line from the airport and don’t have to change trains. Get off at Kongens Nytorv station is to the famous Nyhavn Canal. Or if you depart from another location can change trains from Kongens Nytorv because this is the central station with quite a lot of lines intersecting here.

Go to Copenhagen by road

Taking a bus is probably the cheapest means of transportation between Copenhagen and other European cities. Flixbus can be easily booked for a very good price and usually takes 1 night to travel between Copenhagen and other Swedish cities like Malmo, Gothenberg or Stockholm. The one way price from Stockholm is about 300 – 500 DKK.

I’m go to Copenhagen from Hamburg on a 7-hour night bus. Comfortable space and only after a sleep is arrived. You can go from many other cities like Paris or Berlin but the travel time will be longer.

You can take a train between Copenhagen Central Station (København H) and Stockholm Central Station (Stockholm C), the fast train goes straight about 5 hours and if stopping at Malmo, Gothenberg it takes about 7 – 8 hours. The train is quite nice, with free-wifi, the price ranges from 280 – 920 DKK, the earlier you book the price is better.

If you traveling from other cities in Europe you often will have to have a transit point in Germany is Hamburg. From Hamburg take the Danish IC3 Intercity train leaving Hamburg Hbf at 8:53am daily, arriving at Kolding at 11:40am, Odense at 12:19pm and Copenhagen at 1:33pm. Later trips at 12:53pm and 4:53pm.

Copenhagen city guide: Getting around Copenhagen

Bus and metro.

Public transport in Copenhagen is quite diverse, the most popular is still Metro although I realize that Metro in this city does not have many lines and is still simple. Therefore, if you only traveling by Metro, you still have to walk a few hundred meters from the Metro stations to the attractions. Metro operates daily during the week, you can combine with local trains that stop at many stations in the city.

If you go by bus, you will not have to walk more than Metro because of the wider bus network. Bus and Metro share a public transport ticket system, some bus lines operate all night.

The single ticket for public transport is quite high, 24 DKK / trip. You should buy a 24-hour ticket for only 80 DKK apply unlimited travel from Zone 1-4 and need to validate the ticket. Note that the airport is also located in Zone 1-4. Taking Metro in Copenhagen without barrier, the supervisor also only works as a guide rather than checking tickets. Therefore, the purchase and use of tickets is completely dependent on each person’s consciousness.

Boating around Copenhagen by Harbour bus (water bus)

If you want to explore Copenhagen in a different way, you can try the Harbour bus. There are 3 main lines with 10 different points including 6 Zealand-side lines and 4 Amager-side lines. The Harbour bus operates with the same management company as the regular bus, so the tickets you buy also apply to the Harbour bus. The Harbour boat is also docked at many famous attractions such as the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn Habour, Christianshavn and Royal Opera House.

Copenhagen travel blog: Where to stay in Copenhagen?

Because I traveling alone for 3 days in Copenhagen, so I just stayed at Hostel Generator Copenhagen ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) . This is a hostel located in the central area about 400m from Kongens Nytorv station. The room rate is about 100-120Euro/night, and dorm bed is about 30 Euro/night.

Although located in the central area, this hostel is in a quite quiet corner, super wide floor and up to 7 floors. The 2nd floor is a shared living area with lots of utilities, a dining and working area. Unfortunately, this hostel does not have a kitchen so people can’t buy food to cook.

With a more abundant budget you can refer to some good, upscale hotels with beautiful views in Copenhagen below.

71 Nyhavn Hotel: The hotel consists of two buildings, the yellow and red buildings, built in the 19th century and was renovated, located at the corner of Copenhagen harbour and overlooking beautiful views to the harbour. ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Radisson Collection Royal Hotel: A hotel with a very cool design and can be said to be the tallest building in the city. ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Absalon Hotel: A top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $105/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Copenhagen Admiral Hotel: A top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $123/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Tivoli Hotel: A top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $132/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Kong Arthur: A top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $136/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find more, check rates, availability & book for Copenhagen hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Copenhagen blog: What and where to eat?

Because Denmark is adjacent to the continental part of Europe and Northern Europe, so Copenhagen’s cuisine is also a delicate combination between these two regions. Copenhagen is famous for its delicious cakes and sausages.

Wienerbrød pastry: A type of cake with almonds, jams inside, outside covered with a thin layer of cream or chocolate.

Frikadeller (Danish Meatballs): Similar to pork meatballs in Vietnam, but raw ingredients from beef or veal, with onions, custard or other spices.

Smørrebrød bread: Danish bread is also quite famous, but the Smorrebrod type is black butter bread, or more diverse with meats, jambon, fish, …

Rød Pølse Sausage: The most famous Danish sausage. You can easily see them at street kiosks served with bread.

Also you can find food at the supermarket, very cheap. Every day I have to go to the supermarket to buy drinks, fruits and extra cakes (traveling spend a lot of energy). In my opinion, buying items at supermarkets spend only 7-8 Euro/time is full for a meal is enough including bread, hotdogs, hams, juice and fresh fruits.

Some good restaurants and dining areas in Copenhagen

Nyhavn Area: This is the area concentrates many restaurants are located along the Nyhavn Canal. Price of a meal here ranges from 150-200DKK/person. The restaurant that I eat is Skipperkroen Restaurant (Address: Nyhavn 27, 1051 København, Denmark / Hours: 8AM–10:30PM ; Friday, Saturday: 8AM–11PM) with view straight to Nyhavn canal, the food is delicious and good service. Main dishes include salmon with mussel sauce, wonderful aromatic.

The second restaurant I dined with was Zeleste (Address: Store Strandstræde 6, 1255 Copenhagen K, Denmark / Hours: 12–9:30PM) , located in the central area. Since the afternoon has been eaten quite full in the Christmas night market near King’s New Square, so I only called a little of bread and grilled shrimp. Generally good, this restaurantn is a bit more expensive than Skipperkroen.

Copenhagen travel guide: Best places to visit, top things to do in Copenhagen

In general, the places to visit Copenhagen center are quite close to each other. So you can spend a whole day just walking and you can visit many places here.

King’s New Square

The largest square in Copenhagen. If you come right at Christmas, here is a beautiful Christmas market with lots of stalls, food courts with full of traditional Danish dishes. High-class restaurants and luxury brands in Copenhagen are also located around this square.

Colorful houses in Nyhavn

The most famous harbour in Copenhagen, like a miniature Amsterdam. Along the canal are houses painted in vivid colors, and the harbour for boats and yachts to park. Not to be missed to take the best pictures here. The harbour is just a few steps from King’s New Square.

Nyhavn Harbour used to be the place where many large and small boats docked in and out of Copenhagen before. Each house with different colors has its own highlight, and their combination creates a picturesque street in every Andersen’s fairy tale.

Strøget walking street

This is one of the longest walking streets in Europe in the heart of a large city. Perhaps Strøget must be on par with La Rambla in Barcelona. Just walking here you can feel a part about the ancient Copenhagen, the bustle of tourists, the music from the freedom artists, and the delicious street food.

The Round Tower

Strolling around Stroget, you will not be able to ignore Rundetaarn (Round Tower). Rundetaarn Tower was built in the 17th century as an observatory and can even see Sweden when standing from the top of the tower. If you come here remember to climb the tower to see the busy streets in central Copenhagen.

Magstræde colorful houses

You will encounter the ancient and colorful houses in Magstræde if you continue to explore the streets of central Copenhagen more deeply.

Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park

This is the largest and oldest amusement park in Copenhagen similar to Disney Land in Paris. This amusement park was built in 1843, ranked 2nd in the list of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Walt Disney has been visited here many times and Tivoli inspired him to build his own amusement park.

Located right next to Copenhagen Central Station, it is very convenient to go, exit the station is a park right on the road. Tivoli Gardens is suitable for those who travel with their families with children, with lots of interesting games.

Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark

Krusemyntegade

Another small, quiet neighborhood with colorful old houses in Copenhagen. Very suitable to pose to get beautiful photos on Instagram.

Torvehallerne Central Market

This market includes many stalls that are sold both indoors and outdoors. The interior is quite similar to the Colmar central market in Paris, from fresh seafood to restaurants, bars and small food stalls. If you come here at meal time, do not hesitate to choose a restaurant and enjoy the typical local cuisine of Torvehallerne.

Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1362 København, Denmark Hours: 11AM–6PM

Frederik’s Church and Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg is the residence of the Royal Danish Family, surrounded by a large square. At the end of Amalienborg you will see Frederik’s church, looking from the outside extremely majestic and overwhelmed. However, going inside the church is extremely quiet, especially when going in winter with cold weather, coming here to feel the peace, warmth and the feeling of letting go of the troubles in the life.

Address: Frederiksgade 4, 1265 København, Denmark How to go: Take the Metro M3 line to Marble Church Station

Rosenborg Castle and Kongens Have Park

Rosenborg Ancient Castle was the residence of the Royal Danish Family until 1710, but now the castle is used as a giant museum with many Royal treasures to serves visitors. The castle is surrounded by strongholds and is located right next to Kongens Have park so the air is very fresh and cool.

Address: Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København, Denmark

Superkilen Park

This park is located quite far from the city center in the multicultural residential area of ​​Nørrebro, divided into 3 different areas: The Red Square, The Black Market, and The Green Park. Each area is decorated with emblems from different countries. This is also a great photo spot because of the excellent layouts.

Address: Nørrebrogade 210, 2200 København, Denmark

Freetown Christiania (Christianshavn Autonomous District)

A district that clearly shows the multicultural and wild nature of Copenhagen. Christianshavn is called “Autonomous District” in its literal sense, because this place is inhabited by a part of people – young people outside the control area of ​​Denmark. They set up their own “nation”, self-governing, managing and living.

Having visited Copenhagen, Christianshavn cannot be missed to visit a miniature country, full of bustling shopping streets, restaurants, and unique mural paintings. Here they sell cannabis publicly, and “no photo”.

Coming to Christianshavn you also can not miss Christianshavn harbour with colorful houses on both sides of the canal, quite similar to Nyhavn but smaller.

The Little Mermaid

The famous mermaid sculpture in Copenhagen is often referred to as a symbol of Denmark like the peeing boy statue in Brussels. The statue is located in the Langelinie area surrounded by a number of small stones.

Copenhagen travel blog: Day trips from Copenhagen

If you come to Copenhagen with abundant time, you can refer to the day trips to the suburbs, the surrounding areas or even a short trip to Sweden. Refer to some destinations below:

Roskilde: Just 30 minutes by train from Copenhagen, this is the perfect destination for a day trip from the Danish capital. The city is an attractive destination with long-standing historical values, typical Gothic-style churches, Viking Ship museum and beautiful coastline.

Malmo and Lund: Sweden’s destinations are right next to Copenhagen. You can take the train or flixbus here during the day very convenient and cheap. Malmo is an easy go, a Swedish coastal city with many attractions.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Copenhagen you can refer to

• Copenhagen Card
• Copenhagen Panorama Guided Sightseeing Bus & Boat Tour
• Copenhagen Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat Pass
• Copenhagen City Walk Tour
• Copenhagen Canal Tour
• Copenhagen City Train Tour

Are you looking for more Copenhagen travel guide and top things to do in Copenhagen: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: 1 day in Copenhagen — Copenhagen 1 day itinerary & how to spend 24 hours in Copenhagen pefectly?  and check it out here.

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Guide to shenzhen nightlife — top 5 things & what to do in shenzhen at night, ladakh trip cost per person from delhi — how much does ladakh trip by bike cost, india travel tips — 25+ what & things to know before traveling to india, coron itinerary 5 days — what to do & how to spend 5 days in coron.

Arashiyama travel blog — The fullest Arashiyama travel guide with top things to do in Arashiyama

Explore Fenqihu old street — What to do in Fenqihu in a day trip?

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions & best places to visit in Kunming

Must eat in melaka — 10+ famous malacca street food & must try food in melaka.

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best things to do in Alishan, Taiwan

Editor picks.

Guide to Shenzhen nightlife — Top 5 things & what to...

Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does...

India travel tips — 25+ what & things to know before...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1459
• Trip Inspiration 468
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 208
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

A Total Trip: What I spent on an expensive weekend in Copenhagen

Apr 25, 2024 • 9 min read

Copenhagen is an expensive city to visit © Daniel Rasmussen

In our A Total Trip series, writers document what they spent on a recent getaway. In this edition, Chamidae Ford shows us how far her money went on a long weekend in Copenhagen, Denmark.

I recently spent a sunny weekend in  Copenhagen – a city known for its stunning architecture, signature design and burgeoning food scene – with my friend and coworker Ann Douglas . When planning this trip, I knew I’d only be there for a few days, and I also knew I wanted to taste delicious food and shop for a few souvenirs (or more than a few).

As someone who lives in New York , I must acknowledge that my sense of what is deemed overpriced and what is "normal" is a bit skewed. Still, I will bare my spending soul if only to offer a grasp on what a weekend in this city may cost if you enjoy yourself rather than convert prices on a currency app.

Pre-trip spending 

A goal for me was to do as little pre-trip spending as possible. Since I was already in Dublin for work, I took a short flight costing 679kr to Copenhagen. 

For the hotel, I wanted a place that felt young and prioritized design, so it truly felt like we were in Copenhagen. I also looked for something central to avoid long commute times when visiting the main sites. We stayed at 25 Hours Hotel in Indre By , a pricier option but in a great location, and we split the cost of the room. For three nights, our stay was 5408kr, which means my portion was 2704kr, which I paid for with credit card points I had been saving.

Pre-trip spending: $100 (697kr)

On-the-ground spending

Airport transfer: We landed in Copenhagen around 4:30pm, and we discovered that one of Copenhagen's finest perks is how straightforward it is to get from the airport to the city! Doing the same in London, Paris, or New York is a pricey, timely and exhausting feat; this was cheap (30kr) and fast. I got from the airport to my hotel in roughly 20 minutes.

Activities: With a dinner reservation for 8pm (you must make dinner reservations in advance; Copenhagen is not the place for walk-ins), we spent a few hours taking in the early evening, the winding streets, and noting places we would like to visit the next day. 

Apertivo: We stopped at Little Green Door , a cocktail bar along the canal, for a pre-dinner drink. We each enjoyed a single shot, gin and tonic for a whopping 131kr (262kr for both). After swiping my card, this was the moment I knew my weekend was going to be more expensive than I had anticipated.

Dinner: In the evening, we dined at the intimate yet bustling  Lilo Vinoria , a chic wine bar with Italian-inspired food and an extensive drink menu. I am unsure if it was because I had only consumed a single croissant that day due to travel or because I was coming off a week of pub food in Dublin, but this meal felt like everything I had ever needed.

We split the burrata featuring a yuzu marinade, walnuts and jalapeños and shared the pork and veal rosemary polpettes. Ann Douglas and I each enjoyed a plate of the freshest, brightest, most rejuvenating pea and asparagus risotto. Throughout the meal, I nursed a very dry martini, which was fine but made me long for the Dirty Martini at Long Island Bar in Brooklyn.  My share of the cost for that meal was 471.85kr .

Total: 632.85kr

Breakfast: On this beautiful Saturday, the sun was shining, and we were on the hunt for a full breakfast – I needed more than a croissant to sustain me today. We stumbled across Coffee Room , where I had a scrambled eggs with chives, crispy bacon, toast, avocado, freshly squeezed orange juice and an Americano (237kr) .

Activities: First and foremost, I wanted to shop. I had heard about the city's vintage stores and seen the incredibly stylish locals, and I knew I needed to come home with a few pieces from my travels.

We went to Mads Nørgaard , a Copenhagen brand that makes iconic striped shirts that are so comfy. I bought the pink-on-pink, striped long-sleeve, which I would end up wearing the very next day (299kr) . From there, we browsed a few vintage shops, but the real winner was O-S-V Second Hand , where I got a very chic, brown boatneck top sprinkled with polka dots and a white midi length skirt ( 599kr for both). 

We stopped by a stunning glass shop called Studio Arhoj , a suggestion courtesy of Lonely Planet writer Verona Farrell in her story, Copenhagen in 5 Shops . I walked away with a handful of gifts for friends and a piece for myself (599kr) .

Having sufficiently spent a lot of my money, we decided to start sightseeing. We chose to purchase the Copenhagen Card  (CPH Card), which includes all public transit and entrance to most of the city’s main sites. We strategically bought it in the afternoon of day two to maximize its use. For 48 hours, the card costs €100 (746kr) . Included in the card was a boat tour through the canals. We cruised through the city, learning some of its history while enjoying the sunny day. The hour-long tour even gave us a glimpse of the famous Little Mermaid statue . 

Lunch: For lunch, we visited a hot dog stand, where I got a spicy dog covered in onions, relish, ketchup, mustard and a herby aioli. Delish! (45kr) .

Activities: After our quick bite, we headed to the Copenhagen Design Museum (included in the CPH Card), featuring an exhibit on local supermarket chain  Irma . It delved into the brand's design evolution, showcasing how it had changed since its inception in 1886. I decided to skip the gift shop. My credit card was still tired from the morning.

Dinner: That evening, we took the bus (CPH Card) to dinner, where we enjoyed a tasting menu at Mirabelle Spisería , a moody Italian restaurant in inner Nørrebro. The food was delicious but not necessarily mind-blowing. We split a crispy arancini, flatbread doused in olive oil and mozzarella, burrata with pistachios and capers. We also enjoyed a salad of cod and citrus, which I loved, plus cacio e pepe  (cheese and pepper pasta) and brown butter sage ravioli. I particularly enjoyed the delicious glasses of Nero wine. 

My share of the dinner bill came to 536kr .

Total: 3061kr (oof!)

Breakfast: We stopped by Lagkagehuse , where I had a kanelsnegl  (cinnamon roll) and an Americano (90kr) .

Activities: Today we were leaving the city behind to visit the  Lousiana Museum of Modern Art (CPH Card) – this was the activity everyone had recommended, and I must admit they were right. It's an hour-long train ride outside the city, which is a gentle way to ease into the day and a great opportunity to see a bit of Danish countryside. We followed signs from the station that led us on the 10-minute walk to the museum, and arrived at opening time of 11am.

We spent two hours exploring the museum, which included a wide range of exhibits, from Dominican-American artist Firelei Báez and her captivating multimedia pieces that explore the black diaspora and folk tales to the French artist, Chaïm Soutine's expressionist pieces that span his lifetime. The museum itself is stunning, with glass walls and a sculpture park in the center. Perched on a hill overlooking the water, it is a captivating location that remains the highlight of my trip. I purchased a Báez print to take home with me (350kr) .

Lunch: Back in the city, we immediately went looking for a Gasoline Grill for lunch. Famous for its excellent burgers (and long lines), we decided to stick it out as everyone said it is the best.

The classic cheeseburger (100kr) was truly unforgettable. The bun is toasted to perfection, so each bite has a crunch; the meat, which is never frozen, is seasoned throughout the process. Ann Douglas and I ate, standing against a brick fence in silence, completely focused on the experience. For the quality, it felt like a steal (NYC loves to charge $28 for a burger) and totally worth the wait.

Activities: After lunch, we explored the Rosenborg Castle (CPH Card), catching a glimpse of the crown jewels, grand halls and many stylish rooms. It is no Versailles , but it is an interesting historic space in the city's center. The park grounds surrounding the castle are stunning, and catching the tulips in bloom was exciting.

Dinner: For our final evening, we opted for Mediterranean food and ventured over to Vesterbro for a meal at Delphine . It was a bit of an Instagrammy spot, but the food was great, and the atmosphere was fun.

The tzatziki and flatbread, to start, was refreshing and light. The lamb was juicy and delicious, the prawns a bit small but well seasoned, the french fries crispy, which I prefer, but the star to me was a watermelon feta salad, which had mint, perfectly firm chunks of green tomato, onion, olives and a dash of vinegar. Truly perfect.

For my share of the meal, I spent 490kr .

Total: 1030kr

Breakfast: For our final morning, we stopped by Holms Bager (63kr) for coffee and a pastry before returning to a couple of shops where we wanted to grab some items we had been thinking about (334kr), another one of those Mads shirts and more items from the Studio Arhoj  glass shop. Mostly, we savored our final hours and enjoyed the early morning quietness of the city.

Airport transport: We hopped on the train back to the airport and our CPH card, in its final hours, still covered our fare. 

Lunch: In the airport before the 8.5-hour flight, I stopped by Joe & the Juice for an underwhelming sandwich (85kr) , but it is airport food; what more can you expect?

Total: 482kr

The final tally: 5902.85kr

Overall, it was an expensive weekend, but more due to my own desire to shop and indulge in lavish dinners. Only having alcohol with dinner ended up saving me a lot of money in the long run, as most days, I only had one drink. 

The Copenhagen Card is a hack when you are visiting places nonstop, but I don't think we fully maximized its bang for its buck due to doing more wandering and shopping than overall sightseeing.

Here is more expert advice to help you plan your trip to Copenhagen

9 of the best things to do in Copenhagen Copenhagen in 5 shops: food halls, curated fashion finds and more Local Bites: the best places to eat and drink in Copenhagen

Explore related stories

Apr 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Florida is famous for sun and sand, but for many families it's all about the theme parks. Here's our pick of the best theme parks in the Sunshine State.

Apr 7, 2024 • 11 min read

Apr 6, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 2, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 1, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 24, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 24, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 5 min read

We’re not taking new bookings for travel to Denmark at the moment. Our specialists can advise you on all the destinations you can currently book with us.

Change location

• Call us today from 9am 01993 838 925 01993 838 761 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Visit Copenhagen, Denmark

• Accommodation
• Things to do

Bicycle lanes, Bronze Age treasures, smorgasbord and three castles, plus a renowned mermaid, in Denmark’s stylish capital.

Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen is a compact and lively city that welcomes you with typically Danish aplomb. The city gracefully balances a wealth of history and tradition with cutting-edge design and modern approaches to sustainability. Whether you cruise the canals, cycle through the well-ordered streets or stroll along the pedestrian-friendly waterfront, it’s easy to get a sense of the city’s character.

We can help you explore more thoroughly with guided tours to the palaces and museums that dot the city. You might admire the Renaissance-era crown jewels at Rosenborg Castle, kayak through the canals or tour the waterfront and old town to admire the architecture. We can arrange for you to take a workshop on making Denmark’s signature dish, smørrebrød, or offer suggestions on when to best visit Tivoli Gardens, the oldest amusement park in Europe.

Things to see and do in Copenhagen

The danish crown jewels at rosenborg castle.

The grand finale is the room showcasing the crown jewels, a dazzling display of wealth and artistry, including Christian IV’s diamond-encrusted six-pointed crown. It’s easy to explore on your own or we can arrange for a privately guided tour of the castle and the city.

Christiansborg Palace and stables

A small island in the heart of the city, Slotsholmen has been the seat of political power in Denmark for almost a millennium. The palace that stands there today is an imposing granite building with copper accents that houses the country’s Prime Minister’s office, the parliament and the supreme court, as well as the Royal Receiving Rooms. It was built in the early 20th century, but in the basement, you can visit the ruins of Bishop Absalon’s 1167 castle.

The grounds also include the Kongelige Stalde and Kareter, a stable and carriage house where you can marvel at the elegant carriages the royal family has used since the 1700s. Riders in bright-red coats and black top hats exercise the horses daily. If you’d like to visit, we can include a guided tour of the palace with a walking tour of the city.

Exploring Nyhavn

Once a sailor’s quarter, Nyhavn today is a lively waterfront stretch with open-air cafés, street performers and brightly painted houses. The canal was built to connect Kongens Nytorv with the harbour, and you can easily while away an afternoon strolling down the promenade to take in the ever-changing array of wooden boats, the many buskers and the young people enjoying the sun with a beer. Take a seat at one of the fashionable cafés for an alfresco break to admire the never-ending parade.

Folklorist Hans Christian Andersen lived and worked here, writing some of his best-known works, including The Princess and the Pea , at no. 20.

A smorgasbord of smørrebrød

You can find smørrebrød everywhere from fine-dining restaurants to tiny storefronts. If you’d like to learn more about its history and how to make smørrebrød, we can arrange for you to take a workshop while you’re in the city.

Copenhagen’s pantry: TorvehallerneKBH

Copenhagen’s take on a traditional market is typically sleek and modern, spread out among two gleaming glass buildings as well as a section of open-air stalls. You can find everything from fresh fish and produce to kitchenware and even a cookbook shop. There are also plenty of restaurants and stands that offer prepared foods.

Glass cases conceal row upon row of smørrebrød pretty enough for a still life, as well as smoked meats, freshly baked bread, 88 types of local cheese and hand-brewed coffee. In addition to Danish food, you can also pause for tacos or a glass of wine, nibble on chocolate pastries and enjoy some of the city’s best pizza.

A cultural buffet of museums

As well as its various palaces, Copenhagen offers a wide array of museums you can visit. The National Museum examines the country’s history, from Viking drinking horns to modern-day Danish life. The National Gallery’s collection starts in the Middle Ages and continues to today. The Museum of Copenhagen concentrates more specifically on the city’s past, including an excellent exhibit on the life of philosopher and native son Søren Kirkegaard.

A 30-minute drive north of the city, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a sprawling web of airy white rooms and glass hallways. Its ever-changing array of exhibits is only half the attraction. The lovely grounds face Øresund and include monumental modern sculptures nestled under leafy trees. If you’d like to visit, we can arrange for a guided tour.

Copenhagen’s best-known resident: The Little Mermaid

A sculptural ode to Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid, Den Lille Havfrue is arguably the city’s most popular resident. Slightly smaller than an actual mermaid might be, the bronze nude sits on a rock in the water just off the Langelinie promenade. She’s been attracting crowds since she was unveiled in 1913 — we recommend visiting early in the day to get the best view.

Stroll five minutes south along the waterfront to see the imposing Gefionspringvandet. This three-tiered fountain is presided over by an imposing image of the Norse goddess Gefjon driving a team of strapping oxen.

Tivoli Gardens, Europe’s oldest amusement park

Combining the best aspects of a Victorian exhibition, a botanical garden, a theme park and a beer garden, the gaily lit Tivoli Gardens has been an important destination in Copenhagen since it opened in 1843.

During the day, families flock here to enjoy games, snacks, shows and rides, as well as historic buildings and cultivated flower beds. At night, the park has a more adult, but no less joyful feel, with plentiful beer and shows.

On Fridays, the open-air Plænen stage hosts rock concerts by up-and-coming local bands as well as the occasional big-name act. (Michael Jackson once performed here and loved it so much he tried to buy the whole complex).

Best time to visit Copenhagen

The best time to visit Copenhagen is from March to May and September to October. Though summer sees parks in bloom and a variety of festivals, the city is often crowded and July and August are often rainy. From November to February, Copenhagen is cold and there are only a few hours of daylight, but prices tend to be lower. In December, you can visit the Christmas markets.

Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit

• July: The Copenhagen Jazz Festival hosts performances by world-renowned artists.
• August: Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival lasts for ten days and includes events, tastings, demonstrations and special menus across the city.
• October: More than 200 institutions host special events and exhibitions for Culture Night.
• New Year’s Eve: Fireworks light up the party and Royal Guard Parade in Amalienborg Square.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Copenhagen by contacting one of our Denmark specialists

• 01993 838 925 01993 838 761
• Make an enquiry

Start planning your trip to Copenhagen

Map of copenhagen, places & hotels on the map, photos of copenhagen.

Accommodation choices for Copenhagen

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Copenhagen. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Hotel d'Angleterre

Ideas for experiencing Copenhagen

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Copenhagen, and which use the best local guides.

Copenhagen harbour & canal tour

Get a waterside view of the city on a private boat tour through Copenhagen’s canals. You’ll be able to relax as you glide past the city’s major sights, including the Amalienborg Royal Palace, and learn more about the city’s changing face.

Cooking class Smørrebrød

Denmark’s signature dish is smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches built on dark, chewy rye bread. Taking a class, in which you learn to make smørrebrød from a professional chef, can offer a glimpse into Danish culinary heritage, history and culture.

Copenhagen bike tour

The best way to experience Copenhagen is like a local — on two wheels. This privately guided tour will lead you on a route that takes you past the Queen’s castle, through leafy parks, beside quiet canals, and along the renowned Bicycle Snake.